SORSOGON CAUGHT UNAWARES?

THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) men’s basketball team conducted an alleged “training bubble” in Sorsogon City without local government officials there knowing of the activity that potentially breached health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Businessmirror learned from an official of Sorsogon City that UST Growling Tigers Head Coach Aldin Ayo could have conducted the training “in his own personal capacity as a native of the city.”

The official, who asked not to be identified, said the city had no participation in the training activity that happened two months ago, adding local officials are busy “making life in Sorsogon close to being normal” because Covid-19 cases are under control.

The official said that Ayo, a former Sorsogon City councilor, could have personally facilitated the team members’ travel, which is more than 500 kms by land from Manila. The journey crosses two regions and under strict protocols in the provinces, the official said securing travel passes or permits “would be a tremendous task.”

UST, meanwhile, sought for more time to complete its internal investigation on a possible breach of health protocols by the Tigers, leaving an authority studded body tasked to dig into the issue several more days afloat before weaving together a recommendation. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was well represented by its chairman, Prospero de Vera III, and Executive Director, Cindy Jaro, in the online meeting on Wednesday afternoon, perhaps the first time that the CHED involved itself in a serious issue on collegiate sports.

“We have issued several advisories and guidelines since March advising students to stay home. These were consistent with the guidelines issued by the IATF and the tri-agency-issued JAO,” de Vera said. “Safety of our students is the topmost concern.”

UST was officially invited but didn’t field a representative in the virtual meeting. School officials said they are still wrapping up their investigation and would be submitting a report to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Thursday.

Philippine Sports Commission National Training Director Marc Velasco, Department of Health Promotion and Communication Service Head Rodley Carza, UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag and UAAP Season 83 President Nonong Calanog of De La Salle were in the meeting.

The group will meet again on Tuesday to discuss UST’S report which will be submitted to the UAAP board for scrutiny.